September 30, 2024

Romans 12:1-2  (HCSB)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Susan Jones
If you remember...this was our Scripture Focus for VBS way back in July. But what does a “living and holy sacrifice, pleasing to God” mean? Let’s look a bit closer and find out. Living–This is addressing my need to offer myself to God each and everyday of my life...not just a “one and done” attitude. Holy–Holy means “devoted to the service of God” and/or “morally and spiritually excellent”. The only way I am ever truly Holy is through Jesus’ lens of grace and forgiveness. Thank God for that today if you have accepted that gift already! If you have not, then DO IT RIGHT NOW and let someone know! Sacrifice–To have a sacrifice, something must die/be killed. What do you need to “put to death” in your life and burn up on the altar to God? This is the only way we live a sacrificial life following Christ...I kill my will and follow His! Pleasing to God–A sacrifice is ONLY pleasing to God if it is done with the right heart. Our hearts must be surrendered daily to Him because we KNOW His plans for us are so much better than the short-sighted ones we make for ourselves. Make this verse your goal for today! If you fail in some area, start fresh again tomorrow. Give yourself some small challenges to meet and begin to see change in your life.